The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Industrial

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EXPERT OBSERVERS
Industrial relations is in the DNA of Australian politics: it is the defining policy issue that has traditionally distinguished Labor from the Coalition.
Industrial relations issues have featured prominently in recent election campaigns, with <a href="https://www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/templates-and-guides/fact-sheets/rights-and-obligations/enterprise-bargaining" target="_blank">Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs)</a>, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-16/jericho-10-years-on,-the-spirit-of-workchoices-still-lives/7248368" target="_blank">WorkChoices</a> and union governance being the subject of fierce contestation between the major parties. However, this election the policy contrast is especially evident.
While the policies of the major parties have always differed, over the past 30 years there was a neoliberal consensus on economic policy that in some respects extended to industrial relations.
For instance, the <a href="http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fwa2009114/" target="_blank">Fair Work Act</a> implemented by the Rudd government reversed some but not all elements of Howard-era industrial relations policies. It largely maintained constraints on trade union power.
But this consensus is fracturing, as reflected in the policy settings of the two major parties. The Coalition has held steadfast to the idea that industrial relations and labour market issues are best left to the logic of the market. From this perspective, a strong economy enabled by low taxation and minimal government intervention results in employment and wage growth.
In contrast, and in light of the evident decoupling of economic growth and wages growth, the ALP has taken a more interventionist stance. This reflects less confidence in market mechanisms alone to solve persistent issues such as gender inequality, low pay and the proliferation of precarious work.
<h2>The Coalition’s commitments</h2>
Much of the Liberal and National parties’ policy platform focuses on what the Coalition has achieved in office. Most prominent is the focus on the <a href="https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan/economy" target="_blank">Coalition’s job record</a>, particularly its claim to have created 1.3 million jobs since it was first elected in September 2013.
The Coalition highlights recent job growth among younger workers, increased workforce participation among women and the creation of full-time jobs. This is despite persistent challenges relating to gender equality at work, unemployment and under-employment among young workers and a prevalence of insecure and non-standard work arrangements.
Very little is said explicitly about wages, job security and other “core” industrial relations issues. One explanation for this could be memories of the “WorkChoices election” of 2007 when the Howard government’s weakening of worker protections led to its removal from office.
Or it could be because of an ideological view that removing market constraints, particularly for small business, will lead to improved conditions for workers. This is a strong theme in the Coalition’s platform: it claims that lower taxes are “a critical part of our plan to deliver a strong economy and record job creation”.
The Coalition also points to its record in “tackling union lawlessness”, particularly through the establishment of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/restoring-the-construction-watchdog-abcc-experts-respond-69643" target="_blank">Australian Building and Construction Commission</a>. A key aspect of the Coalition’s policy platform is to highlight Labor’s perceived weaknesses through its links with the union movement and also the potential impact of climate change policies on employment in carbon-intensive industries.
But it’s hard to see this resonating much among voters, who for the past two decades have seen unions are having much less power than big business (see below).
Voters’ perceptions of the power of trade unions and big business, Australia, 1967-2016
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/272427/original/file-20190503-103053-t25lnp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/272427/original/file-20190503-103053-t25lnp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Australian National University, Australian Electoral Study 1987–2016
<h2>Labor’s commitments</h2>
Reflecting a renewed enthusiasm for policy aimed at challenging the free rein of the market, the Labor Party has announced a suite of interventionist measures. Some appear aimed squarely at amending the Fair Work Act – for example, legislating to prevent employers using agreement termination to revert to award wages and conditions, and to impose higher penalties for wage theft.
However, the bulk of Labor’s announcements relate to three themes: the problems of ongoing wage stagnation and income inequality, job insecurity and gender equity at work.
Key to the ALP’s wages policies is a commitment to develop a “<a href="https://theconversation.com/shorten-to-announce-labors-living-wage-plan-but-without-an-amount-or-timing-114225" target="_blank">living wage</a>” to keep working people out of poverty. Details of how this will be calculated will likely be left to the Fair Work Commission.
Another <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/federal-election-2019/employers-wary-as-bill-shorten-promises-2-6m-casual-workers-the-right-to-convert-20190423-p51gi1" target="_blank">headline announcement by the ALP</a>, easier conversion from casual to permanent work, draws a connection between the prevalence of insecure forms of work and historically low wage growth.
Commitments to ensure labour hire workers receive the same pay as those who are directly employed and an <a href="https://www.alp.org.au/policies/labors-plan-for-secure-jobs/" target="_blank">undertaking</a> to “make sure workers in the gig economy are paid properly and not used to undermine Australian wages, including by changing the legal test for sham contracting” suggest enthusiasm for a recalibration of labour market regulation away from free-market logic.
This is reinforced by a broader set of policies focusing on the eradication of <a href="https://theconversation.com/at-last-australia-has-a-modern-slavery-act-heres-what-youll-need-to-know-107885" target="_blank">modern slavery</a>, the inclusion of superannuation in the <a href="https://www.alp.org.au/policies/labors-plan-to-save-workers-super-from-dodgy-bosses/" target="_blank">National Employment Standards</a> and <a href="https://www.alp.org.au/policies/labors-plan-for-pay-transparency-for-large-company-ceos/" target="_blank">reporting requirements</a> for CEO pay in listed companies.
<a href="https://www.alp.org.au/policies/labors-plan-to-help-close-the-gender-pay-gap/" target="_blank">Gender equity</a> at work policy provides a stark area of contrast between the two main parties. The ALP has pledged A$400 million towards closing the gender superannuation gap, a 20% <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/federal-election-2019/labor-s-childcare-wages-plan-to-cost-at-least-1-6-billion-a-year-20190501-p51j1n" target="_blank">increase in pay for early childhood educators</a> and prioritising gender equity in the Fair Work Act and in the work of the Fair Work Commission.
Linking gender equity to wage stagnation, Labor has announced it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jul/01/shorten-promises-to-restore-penalty-rates-and-spend-6bn-on-sydney-rail" target="_blank">reinstate penalty rates</a>, the loss of which has had a disproportionate impact on female-dominated industries such retail services and hospitality.
<h2>Comparing apples and oranges</h2>
The small-target approach of the Coalition to industrial relations during this election campaign is very difficult to compare to the comprehensive suite of policies released by the ALP. This is partly a result of the inherent nature of election campaigns – the incumbent seeks to defend its record and the challenger to present a convincing agenda for change.
What the industrial relations policies of the major parties most starkly reveal is a Coalition that maintains its conviction that fiscal measures such as tax cuts are the best way to “regulate” the labour market, and a Labor Party that’s looking to curb market excesses and redress what it sees as market failures.
This provides a stark choice for voters.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/116256/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-kaine-19347" target="_blank">Sarah Kaine</a>, Associate Professor UTS Centre for Business and Social Innovation, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936" target="_blank">University of Technology Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-f-wright-9738" target="_blank">Chris F. Wright</a>, Senior Lecturer, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-the-major-parties-stack-up-on-industrial-relations-policy-116256" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

How the major parties stack up on industrial relations policy

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A Melbourne based investor has paid $6.5 million on a 6.3% yield for a Campbellfield industrial facility with Hume Highway frontage.
Dawkins Occhiuto directors, Chris Jones and Walter Occhiuto brokered the deal.  
Located a short distance from the Metropolitan Ring Road, the 1608 Hume Highway property comprises a total building area of 4,949 square metres covering only 25% of the 16,550 square metre site.
It is leased to multinational tenant, Komatsu, on a seven year term expiring August 2020, at a current passing net rental of circa $411,000 per annum. 
Mr Jones said the Expressions of Interest campaign drew a strong field of local, interstate and off-shore buyers based on the property’s exceptional investment credentials.  
He said, “this property offered an excellent location and exposure right on the highway, a secure lease to a blue chip tenant, buildings and hardstand in very good condition and of high utility, high underlying land value, and significant future development upside with a low site coverage. It was hard to beat." 
“We are seeing strong yield compression, particularly for the best located, modern, industrial facilities with secure lease covenants, and that is likely to continue while industrial yields remain comparatively attractive vis-à-vis retail and office property, and while alternative assets classes are offering lower and/or more volatile return prospects,’’ Mr Jones added. 
The vendor was an interstate syndicator.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Campbellfield Industrial facility fronting the Hume Highway sold for $6.5 million

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Diversified property group Pellicano has announced its strongest quarterly results on record.
The results are on the back of securing $29 million in pre-commitment deals at Innovation Park, Dandenong South - a joint venture business park between Pellicano &amp; ISPT.
The park incorporates 20,000 square metres of custom-built facilities for a mix of industries including construction supplies, imports and distribution, medical products and transport.
Businesses who have taken up deals include Defries, Hopper Transport, Exclusive Tyres and ICCONS.
The new deals will take Pellicano’s Industrial portfolio to 550,000 square metres under ownership, with a vacancy rate of 2.9%.
The industrial assets are forecast to outperform the broader commercial property market over the next several year, a recent Moody's report suggests.
Global real estate agency JLL recently suggested that as much as $21 billion of investor capital is looking for a home in Australia's industrial market.
Pellicano Managing Director, Renato Pellicano, said the results are a sign of the strength of the industrial market.
Pellicano, said this level of pre-lease volume over a single quarter was unprecedented.
“This is the strongest demand for industrial stock Pellicano has seen in the last decade,” said Pellicano.
“As land values continue to rise and available stock levels diminish, demand is outstripping supply. Accordingly, we expect to see industrial rents rise 10-15% over the next three years.
“Our goal has always been to maintain healthy occupier-owner relationships across our portfolio and as a family-owned business, these relationships have been a key factor in our success.”
Philip Rose, Managing Director of new client, ICCONS said the philosophy impacted his decision to make a pre-lease commitment at Innovation Park.
“We appreciated the open and collaborative communication between senior stakeholders at Pellicano, which led to an efficient and timely outcome,” said Rose.
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Pellicano post strongest quarter ever on back of industrial market strength 

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Cushman &amp; Wakefield have managed and completed the sale and lease of adjacent properties at in the suburb of Rowville in Melbourne’s south east.
Situated at 35 and 37 Laser Drive respectively Extreme Land Pty Ltd purchased the property located at 35 Laser Drive from Inga Pty Ltd for $1.92 million.
Extreme recently sold their Springvale facility.
35 Laser Drive property comprises a warehouse and two-level office over 1,372 sqm.
Jordie Cassidy and Andrew O’Connell from Cushman &amp; Wakefield managed the sale.
At 37 Laser Drive, A2Z Flashings Pty Ltd has leased a soon to be refurbished warehouse and office space from Marvic Downs Pty Ltd. 
A2Z Flashings Pty Ltd are to relocate from their existing space at Ferntree Gully. 
The property comprises a two-level office across 267 sqm, a 1,009 sqm clear span warehouse and 22 off street car spaces.
The leasing agreement comprised rents of approximately $100 per sqm, with the transaction also managed by Jordie Cassidy and Andrew O’Connell.
Jordie Cassidy said, “Tenant demand is still strong for sub 2,000 sqm buildings in Rowville with very limited stock on the market. As a result, we’re beginning to see face rents begin in slowly increase.”
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Successful sale and lease at neighbouring industrial properties in Rowville

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‘Mini-warehouses’ are being developed to more affordable options in the industrial market, a new report says.  
The Colliers International report said developers were responding to demand from smaller industrial users looking for assets at lower costs, said Malcom Tyson, Managing Director, Industrial at Colliers International. 
“As the economy grows, the dynamics of the industrial market have been evolving and therefore requirements for industrial space have been diversifying,” said Tyson.
“In particular, it is the growth of small businesses which employ nearly half of Australia’s workforce and generate one fifth of Australia’s GDP, that has triggered a rising demand for strata spaces.”
Australia’s industrial property is in high demand from both domestic and international investors, said Alex Pham, Director of Research at Colliers International.
“Industrial land values have experienced, and will continue to see record growth rates being driven by fierce competition for developable sites and an unprecedented level of investment.”
“With a significant pipeline of infrastructure development yet to be delivered, we can expect industrial value uplifts to continue to be supported by major infrastructure projects, boosting the efficiency of industrial operations.”
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The main summary findings of the report were:
Summary:
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<li>From both domestic and global contexts, demand for industrial property is being fuelled by Australia’s robust economic conditions, which continues to be underpinned by a confluence of fundamental factors, including; 
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<li>Strong growth in the global economy on the back of increases in global industrial production and trade - particularly across the Asia Pacific region, 
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<li>The positive spillover effects from increased investment in public infrastructure, 
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<li>The improvement in business sentiment (both globally and domestically) and rising non-mining business investment, 
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<li>A sustainably low interest rate environment, 
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<li>A relatively low Australian dollar, boosting net exports, 
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<li>Strong rates of population growth, with the five-year projection (estimated at 1.6% per annum) doubling the average of the world’s top 30 economies.</li>
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'Mini-warehouses' adding affordabile alternative in industrial market: Colliers International 

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An industrial office/warehouse in Rowville has sold for $13 million for the first time in 20 years to a local owner-occupier, highlighting the tightly held nature of Melbourne’s south-eastern industrial precinct. 
Savills Australia’s Kosta Filinis and Lynton Williams brokered the off-market deal for 800 Wellington Road at a land and building rate of $1,600 per sqm. 
“The sale demonstrates the current strength and depth for established, large-scale facilities in this tightly held, fully developed industrial precinct of Melbourne,” Mr Filinis said. 
Mr Filinis went on to say that due to the proximity to Eastlink, assets in the Rowville precinct were in strong demand from both owner-occupiers and investors.  
“The precinct is highly regarded and with very limited supply, industrial values are on a strong upward trajectory.” 
The 20,940sqm site enjoys a main-road position and encompasses an 8,140sqm building, including 774sqm of office space and multiple loading docks. 
The building also has a canopy and a 9.5-metre internal height clearance with early suppression, fast response (ESFR) sprinklers. 
The vendor was represented by Charter Keck Cramer.
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Rowville office warehouse fetches $13 million through Savills

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The changed retail and consumer landscape are driving the boom in the industrial property market. This uprise of activity is resulting in higher property costs for occupiers, however these rising costs will not be a zero-sum game for occupiers. Occupants who are seeking efficiencies within their supply chains will thrive.
The convergence of several influential factors, including the rapid growth in e-commerce and the need to service customers directly, has led to unprecedented levels of heightened activity in the industrial property market. It is forecasted that the market will grow 30-40% per annum for the next three years, according to research by TM Insight, Australia’s leading consultancy to corporate occupiers within the sector. This growth is likely to result in dramatic increases in property values and rents.
Currently online retail sales in Australia accounts for 7.5% of total retail spend and this is predicted to increase by 30% in 2022. This transition in the retail landscape includes grocery, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and FMCG. This is forcing significant change within the entre retail ecosystem to adapt to evolving consumer demand and most importantly be able to service the customer directly. For brands to bypass the traditional bricks and mortar retail stores it requires a complete transformation in their supply chain design and operation. 
Occupiers need property solutions which are built to service direct to customer demand, however there is a significant undersupply of suitable property. TM Insight is currently managing requirements for clients across Australia totalling in excess of 600,000m2 and is in discussions with organisations for a further 500,000m2 of new space. This is leading to a proliferation of greenfield development and the repurposing of antiquated existing property in locations close to where people live.
The sheer demand in industrial property is placing significant pressure on land supply, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne’s south east where land prices have soared over the past 18 months. Even Melbourne’s west which has had no rental growth for 15 years, is increasing. With rising land values and tightening supply, the increases in rents is likely to continue with a downward pressure on occupant incentives. 
Investment yields are at record low levels, and it is hard to imagine any further significant levels of yield compression to prevent cost increases at a real estate level for occupiers along the Eastern Seaboard. While at face value this appears to be good news for property owners and bad news for occupiers, that is not necessarily the case. The current retail landscape and increase in property costs is forcing occupiers to innovate and look upstream in their supply chains to operate far more efficiently and potentially reduce their physical footprint in Australia.  
In order to service customers directly, companies must create efficient supply chains. Many occupiers are managing ever increasing exposure to costs and demands from customers by investing considerable capital into purpose-built warehouses and fully automated supply chains. In some instances, investment levels in automation and purpose-built facilites in excess of $300 million are showing returns on investment in as little as 3 years when compared to current people-intensive methods of operation. Additionally, developers are taking on an active role in the financing of automation and other bespoke tenant elements helping occupiers become far more efficient in the way they operate. 
These changes in industrial property through a focus on efficiencies will create substantial operational savings. This means occupiers will be able to absorb higher property costs when they are considered in the full spectrum of costs from an optimised business case. Additionally, these efficiencies driven by automated and advanced warehouses may lend occupants the ability to work their inventory in smaller spaces and ultimately reduce their footprint. 
Under the rising costs of industrial property, companies will continue to thrive if they optimise their entire supply chain network. However, a company approaching their distribution network with a fragmented property-driven approach will fall victim to rising rents. 
At TM Insight, we have recently assisted with the investigation and implementation of new highly advanced and efficient distribution networks across Australia for brands such as Kmart (5 new facilities and 230,000m2 of development), Bunnings (5 facilities and 190,000m2 of development), Fisher and Paykel (3 facilities and 33,000m2 of development) and PFD Food Services (4 facilities and 60,000m2 of development).
It would be a shame to let the fear of rising property costs prevent companies from exploring other opportunities that may significantly improve operations and lower costs. This isn’t a zero-sum game if occupants know how to leverage the market dynamics in their favour.
Nathan Bingham is the director of property at TM Insight.
 
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Rising industrial property costs not a zero-sum game for occupiers: Nathan Bingham

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A well-known Tyre and Logistics company has secured a Swanbank facility on a 10 year lease, which industry sources are suggesting is worth approximately $500,000 per annum. 
The lease of the property located at 129 Patrick Street to Tytec Logistics Pty Ltd was facilitated by Ben Donnelly and Callum Stenson of Savills. 
The 52,000 sqm former sandblasting facility features approximately 6,000sq m of building improvements including wash bays, spray booths, and cranes. 
Associate Director of Savills Industrial and Business Services, Ben Donnelly, said Tytec had been in the market for a property for a number of years. 
He said, “when the Patrick Street property became available, the tenant jumped at the opportunity and had the lease signed within three days."
“Swanbank is an ideal location for businesses looking to place themselves in this catchment area to take advantage of solid residential construction and development,” Mr Donnelly said.
Swanbank has seen a number of lease and sale transactions over the last 18 months according to Mr Donnelly.
“As land dries up in the traditional industrial areas of Brisbane, occupiers are finding good value West of Brisbane, where there is a substantial amount of residential construction occurring, particularly throughout the Ripley Valley,” Mr Donnelly added. 
 
 
 
 
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Tytec Logistics secures 10 year lease on a Swanbank facility 

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With the industrial multi-unit development market becoming saturated in Melbourne’s well regarded industrial suburbs, developers are looking for new ways to set their product apart from the competition, according to Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm noted recent times had seen adaptable spaces with brighter designs.
"Developers will modify the spaces to meet the purchaser’s requirements," the September HTW industrial report noted.
"Such product is being strongly supported by investors assuming strong WALEs and owner-occupiers looking to operate their small businesses or meet their ever- growing storage needs."
HTW also noted the strata industrial space was also being driven by the requirement to redevelop dated and functionally obsolete industrial properties into smaller, concrete tilt panel strata developments.
Most industrial strata spaces comprise a mix of concrete tilt panel and aluminium glazed facades to provide natural lighting and in turn, a positive work environment for their occupants.
"We are seeing strata industrial developments continuing to grow in the inner-city markets, particularly in the inner west, north and east, due to high land values in these areas."
An example of an industrial infill development is 10 Cawley Road, Yarraville 3013, where 50 small strata units have been constructed to provide both self-storage and office/warehouse unit accommodation (ranging between 107 and 203 square metres).
Another development which is combining small scale storage units and high-tech office/warehouse units is The Assembly, located at 329 Bay Road, Cheltenham 3192 (pictured above).
The development is nearing completion with most units being secured by pre-commitment sale transactions prior to completion.
The development focuses on being aesthetically pleasing, as demonstrated by the architecturally designed units and incorporating vertical garden walls, as well as being pragmatic at the same time, creating the perfect balance for occupants.
Where larger land allotments are more readily available and affordable, such as in the outer west and south-eastern markets, HTW suggested there has been an increase in large scale distribution centres being constructed, particularly within proximity of major transport routes.
"As the online shopping market continues to develop, many businesses are seeking to expand their operations to incorporate options for distribution to their customers," the report said. 
"Smaller office to warehouse ratios are being constructed to coincide with technology advances and work-life balance, with employees able to work from home, creating a reduced requirement for high office to warehouse ratios in part."
Aside from the above, currently planned infrastructure upgrades and road projects will benefit the industrial corridors across Victoria and the sector as a whole.
"Projects include the Western Ring Road upgrade, CityLink Tulla widening, West Gate Tunnel project and the anticipated North East Link project.
"The completion of these upgrades will positively impact the aforementioned growth corridors across Melbourne and allow for further efficiencies with regard to transportation and logistics, particularly with regard to the growth in e-commerce and the importance of distribution centres.
"These infrastructure upgrades are creating stable links between destinations, reducing the risk of contingency when transporting goods.
Across the industrial market, rents have continued to stabilise with little movement noted by HTW.
Yields on  the other hand are a different story, in particular well-located investment properties with strong lease covenants and WALEs, with yields continuing to firm.
"We expect that with the supply of englobo industrial land throughout Melbourne, industrial developments will continue to meet demand for both owner- occupiers and investors."
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Melbourne industrial developers trying to stand out as rents stabilise: HTW

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Regional areas of New South Wales have some of the nations strongest performing industrial markets, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW).
NSW areas Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Orange are the newest locations to reach the peak of the market.
They have joined Griffith, also in NSW, and the Gold Coast, while Dubbo, which was at the peak of the market in HTW's June clock, is now declining and approaching the bottom of the market.
Melbourne dominate the capital city industrial market. They're approaching the peak, while Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart are a rising market.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/3/HTW_COMM.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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